Creating and Managing Allocations and Accounts
################################################


DSAI is accessible only to users and research groups with an approved allocation or user account.

Allocations and user accounts are managed through the `Coldfront Portal`_. All users—whether internal or external—must request access through this system.

.. note::
    All users should review the :doc:`Good Citizen guidelines <../../../4_Support/Citizen>` before requesting an allocation or account.

Requesting an Allocation
************************

Johns Hopkins Principal Investigators (PIs) may request projects and resource allocations using the `Coldfront Portal`_. Once an allocation is approved, users may request accounts. PIs or their designated proxies are responsible for adding users to the appropriate allocations once it is created.

A video walkthrough is available here: `Portal Navigation`_

Key features of the portal include:

- Requesting new projects and allocations (PIs)
- Managing users and adding them to allocations
- Uploading publications, grants, and ROI reports
- Assigning proxy account managers
- Monitoring usage across groups and allocations

Requesting User Accounts
*************************

Non-PI users can request accounts through the DSAI `Coldfront Portal`_. However, user accounts will only be activated after the user has been added to an existing project by a PI with an approved allocation on the DSAI Cluster.

- All Johns Hopkins users **must use their JHED ID** (e.g., `jsmith123`) when requesting an account.  
  Failure to use your JHED ID may delay account approval and **will prevent access to Globus**, which requires JHED-based authentication.

User accounts can be requested at any time, and the portal also allows users to:

- Submit requests for user accounts
- Reset account passwords
- Monitor utilization and core-hour usage
- View current allocations and associated projects
- Add users (if PI or proxy)

.. note::
   By requesting an account on DSAI, you are automatically subscribed to the **DSAI Users mailing list**:  
   `dsaiusers@lists.jh.edu`.  
   This list is used to distribute **important cluster announcements, including scheduled maintenance, outages, and policy updates**.

   **Unsubscribing from this mailing list will result in account deactivation**, as it is the primary channel for operational communication.

Storage Allocations
********************

DSAI provides multiple file systems, each with different purposes and default quotas:

.. list-table:: Default Storage Quotas
   :widths: 25 20 35
   :header-rows: 1

   * - File System
     - Default Quota
     - Description
   * - /home/<userid>
     - 50 GB
     - Personal files and small software packages
   * - /scratch/<PI-userid>
     - 20 TB
     - Short-term scratch space for active jobs

➡️ For more details on performance, usage policies, and file retention, see the `Filesystem Overview <Filesystems>`__.

Password Management
*******************

Resetting Your DSAI Password
==============================

If you forget your password or need to reset it, visit the `Coldfront Portal`_ and use the **Reset Password** option. You’ll need to enter the email address associated with your account. A secure link will be emailed to you to complete the reset process.

Password Requirements
======================

Your DSAI password must:

- Be at least eight characters long
- Contain characters from **at least three** of the following categories:
  - Lower-case letters
  - Upper-case letters
  - Digits
  - Special characters (excluding `'` and `"`)
- Be different from your **last three passwords**
- Remain private — your password must **never be shared**

.. note::
   Users are **strongly encouraged** to reset their password at least once per year.

.. _Coldfront Portal: https://ai-coldfront.arch.jhu.edu/
.. _Portal Navigation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6zvLBK5Mss